Core Clay
At Core Clay, I had the pleasure of meeting with Gallery Director Ben Buganski. From the moment I walked in, Ben was enthusiastic, welcoming, and generous with his time. He gave me a full tour of the space, sharing insight into the studio’s programs, goals, and ongoing developments.
Core Clay recently moved into their current location, and while some areas are still being finalized—especially following the recent NCECA conference in Cincinnati—it’s clear that the new space has a lot of potential. The building is large, and it's easy to see how thoughtfully they’re setting up each area for long-term use.
The wheel-throwing and handbuilding studios are spacious, well-stocked, and thoughtfully arranged. The glaze lab is also impressive—large, organized, and clearly built to handle a high volume of work. Core Clay has made a visible effort to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, with gender-neutral bathrooms and a diverse, friendly communityof makers. The staff and resident cohort felt tight-knit and open, with an easy warmth toward newcomers.
A particularly good sign of the studio’s positive environment is that several current staff members were once resident artists themselves—and chose to stay on after their residencies ended. That kind of long-term investment speaks volumes about how comfortable and supportive the space is for artists.
After touring the studios, I visited the apartment building where long-term residents live. It’s located just down the road from the studio. At the time of my visit, a new, modern building was under construction across the street—likely future apartments as well—which suggests a growing, revitalized neighborhood. From the outside, the Core Clay apartments appeared well-maintained, with a secure fence and gates at both the front and back. The housing is family- and pet-friendly, and residents are welcome to bring partners, children, or pets to live with them during their stay.
Ben also mentioned that there’s a high-quality, LGBTQ-friendly health center within walking distance of the apartments, which is a valuable resource for incoming residents relocating to the area.
Overall, Core Clay offers a solid program with a warm, inclusive community and plenty of room for continued growth. For artists looking for a supportive space to create and connect—especially those interested in being part of an evolving program—this residency is well worth looking into.
